Scholarships for Southeast Asian Students Studying in Korea

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Southeast Asian students represent the single largest regional group of international students in South Korea. As of 2025, students from ASEAN nations account for approximately 45% of all international students in Korea — roughly 90,000 out of 290,000–300,000 total. Vietnam alone sends over 80,000 students, making Vietnamese students the largest international student population in Korea, followed by significant numbers from Indonesia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia.

This isn't accidental. Korea-ASEAN relations have deepened dramatically since the launch of Korea's "New Southern Policy" in 2017 and its successor, the "Korea-ASEAN Solidarity Initiative" in 2024. Educational exchange sits at the heart of this partnership, with Korea allocating over ₩80 billion annually to scholarship programs targeting Southeast Asian students.

For students from Vietnam, Indonesia, the Philippines, Thailand, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, and other ASEAN nations, Korea offers a uniquely advantageous combination: world-class education at a fraction of Western costs, generous scholarship availability, cultural proximity, and direct career pathways in Korea's booming economy.

This guide maps every significant scholarship and funding pathway available to Southeast Asian students in Korea.

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ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund (AKCF) Scholarship Programs

The ASEAN-Korea Cooperation Fund, jointly managed by the ASEAN Secretariat and Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, supports several education-focused programs.

ASEAN-Korea Academic Exchange Programs

Various ASEAN-Korea cooperation frameworks support academic exchange. Check with your country's Korean embassy for current programs. These programs generally offer benefits that may include tuition coverage, monthly stipends, airfare, and health insurance for graduate-level study at designated Korean universities.

Eligibility typically requires:

• Citizenship of an ASEAN member state (Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam)
• A minimum GPA from your previous degree
• English proficiency (TOEFL/IELTS)

Common priority fields: Public Policy, International Development, ICT, Agriculture, Environmental Science, Business Administration

ASEAN-Korea Youth Exchange Scholarship

A shorter-term program for undergraduate students:

Application: Through ASEAN University Network (AUN) member institutions or Korean Embassy in your country.

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Global Korea Scholarship (GKS): ASEAN Allocation

The GKS program allocates a significant share of scholarships to ASEAN nations. Southeast Asian countries collectively receive several hundred of the approximately 1,500–2,000 annual GKS awards — the largest regional allocation.

GKS Quotas by ASEAN Country

GKS Full Benefits (Same for All Countries)

Strategic Application Advice for ASEAN Students

Vietnamese applicants: Competition is extremely fierce due to the large applicant pool. To stand out:

• Achieve TOPIK Level 3+ before applying (demonstrates serious commitment)
• Apply through the University track to a less popular (but strong) university outside Seoul
• Highlight specific bilateral cooperation experience or plans

Indonesian applicants: Indonesia's LPDP (Indonesia Endowment Fund for Education) can sometimes be combined with partial Korean scholarships. Explore this dual-funding approach.

Filipino applicants: The Philippines-Korea FTA and strong bilateral ties make Filipino applicants competitive. Emphasize professional experience and community leadership.

Myanmar applicants: Special consideration is given to Myanmar students under development cooperation frameworks. KOICA Myanmar-specific programs offer additional slots.

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KOICA Programs for Southeast Asia

KOICA operates dedicated programs for ASEAN countries, reflecting Korea's development cooperation priorities in the region.

KOICA-CIAT (Capacity Improvement and Advancement for Tomorrow)

The CIAT program specifically targets mid-career professionals from developing ASEAN countries:

Eligibility:

• Government employees from ASEAN countries with 3+ years of experience
• Must be nominated by employing government ministry
• Age: Under 45
• English: TOEFL iBT 80+ or IELTS 6.0+

KOICA Country-Specific Programs

KOICA-University Partnerships for ASEAN

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Bilateral Agreements: Country-Specific Opportunities

Vietnam-Korea Scholarship Programs

Vietnam has the most extensive bilateral education relationship with Korea. Various bilateral cooperation programs exist between Korea and Vietnam. Check with Vietnam's Ministry of Education and Training (MoET) and the Korean Embassy in Hanoi for current scholarship offerings. Programs may include government-to-government fellowships, corporate-sponsored scholarships (e.g., Samsung Vietnam initiatives), and agricultural development scholarships, with benefits that typically range from partial to full tuition coverage plus monthly stipends.

Additional benefit for Vietnamese students: Many Korean universities offer TOPIK exemption for Vietnamese applicants who demonstrate Korean proficiency through alternative means (interview, previous Korean language study, etc.), reflecting the large Vietnamese-speaking community in Korea.

Indonesia-Korea Scholarship Programs

Various bilateral cooperation programs exist between Korea and Indonesia. Check with Indonesia's Ministry of Education and the Korean Embassy in Jakarta for current scholarship offerings. Key options to explore include:

• LPDP-Korea Partnership: Indonesia's LPDP (Lembaga Pengelola Dana Pendidikan) can be used at Korean universities. If you secure LPDP funding, Korean universities often waive or reduce tuition on top, creating a "double scholarship" effect.
• Religious organization exchanges: Organizations such as Muhammadiyah and Nahdlatul Ulama have periodically partnered with Korean universities for education exchange programs.
• Maritime and industry-specific programs: Given Indonesia's maritime economy, bilateral maritime education programs may be available through relevant government ministries.

Indonesian applicant tip: LPDP is Indonesia's largest government scholarship and is your strongest funding option for studying in Korea. Always check LPDP's latest eligible university list.

Philippines-Korea Programs

Various bilateral cooperation programs exist between Korea and the Philippines. Check with the Philippines' Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), and the Korean Embassy in Manila for current scholarship offerings. Programs may include STEM scholarships, academic exchange programs, and healthcare/nursing training partnerships. Benefits and intake numbers vary by year.

Thailand-Korea Programs

Various bilateral cooperation programs exist between Korea and Thailand. Check with Thailand's Office of the Civil Service Commission (OCSC) and the Korean Embassy in Bangkok for current scholarship offerings. The Royal Thai Government Scholarship can generally be used at Korean universities. Additional programs in areas such as agricultural innovation may also be available through relevant Thai and Korean government agencies.

Myanmar-Korea Programs

Various bilateral cooperation programs exist between Korea and Myanmar, primarily through KOICA development cooperation frameworks. Check with the Korean Embassy in Yangon for current scholarship offerings. Programs may include development-focused fellowships and peace-related scholarships, with benefits and intake numbers varying by year.

Explore all available scholarships for your country: Comprehensive Scholarship Database →

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University-Specific Scholarships for ASEAN Students

Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU) ASEAN Scholarship

Hanyang University ASEAN Exchange

Kyung Hee University Global ASEAN

Chung-Ang University ASEAN Talent

Dongguk University Southeast Asia Scholarship

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TOPIK Exemption and Language Programs for ASEAN Students

One of the most significant advantages for Southeast Asian students in Korea is the availability of TOPIK exemption programs and Korean language pathway options.

Why TOPIK Exemptions Exist for ASEAN Students

Korean universities are eager to enroll ASEAN students but recognize that TOPIK preparation can be a barrier. Several universities offer alternatives:

Korean Language Pathway Programs

Several universities offer structured pathways specifically for ASEAN students:

TOPIK-Based Scholarship Multipliers

For ASEAN students who do achieve TOPIK certification, the financial rewards are substantial:

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Success Stories: ASEAN Graduates of Korean Universities

Nguyen Thanh Hung, Vietnam — KAIST Master's in Computer Science (GKS Scholar, 2020–2023)

"I applied for GKS through the Korean Embassy in Hanoi. The competition was intense — about 500 Vietnamese applied for roughly 50 Embassy track slots in my year. What helped me stand out was my TOPIK Level 3 score (unusual for Embassy track applicants) and my detailed research plan focusing on applying NLP to Vietnamese-Korean machine translation. After my language year, I entered KAIST's Computer Science program with a total monthly income of about ₩1,800,000 (GKS stipend plus RA). I now work at NAVER as an AI researcher in their Vietnamese language team."

Maria Santos, Philippines — SNU Master's in Public Health (KOICA-CTS, 2019–2021)

"As a nurse at a public hospital in Manila with seven years of experience, I was nominated by the Department of Health for the KOICA-CTS scholarship. The program at SNU's School of Public Health was rigorous but transformative. I focused my thesis on Korea's universal health insurance system and its applicability to Philippine PhilHealth reform. The KOICA network was invaluable — I'm still in contact with classmates from 14 countries. Back in the Philippines, I now lead a WHO-funded project implementing Korean-model community health centers in Mindanao."

Budi Santoso, Indonesia — Hanyang University PhD in Mechanical Engineering (University Scholarship + LPDP, 2018–2023)

"I combined Indonesian LPDP funding with a Hanyang University tuition waiver — essentially a double scholarship. LPDP covered my living expenses at ₩1,500,000/month, while Hanyang waived my tuition entirely. My research on lightweight materials for electric vehicles led to two patents, co-filed with Hyundai Motor. I joined Hyundai's Indonesia operations after graduation, working on their EV manufacturing plant in Bekasi. The combination of Korean engineering training and industry connections was exactly what I needed."

Thida Aung, Myanmar — Korea University Master's in International Studies (KOICA-Myanmar, 2021–2023)

"The KOICA-Myanmar scholarship changed my life. Coming from a conflict-affected country, I initially worried about adjusting to Korea. But the Myanmar student community at Korea University was welcoming, and the KOICA pre-departure orientation prepared me well. My research on post-conflict development models, comparing Korea's post-war reconstruction with Myanmar's challenges, was deeply meaningful. I now work with an international development organization in Yangon, applying the governance frameworks I learned in Korea."

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Practical Guide: Applying from Southeast Asia

Application Timeline

Required Documents

Standard documents for most Korean scholarship applications:

1. Application form (varies by scholarship)
2. Personal statement / Statement of purpose (800–1,500 words)
3. Study plan or research proposal (graduate applicants)
4. Official transcripts (authenticated/apostilled)
5. Degree certificates (authenticated/apostilled)
6. 2–3 recommendation letters
7. Language test scores (TOEFL/IELTS and/or TOPIK)
8. Passport copy
9. Passport-sized photos (3.5 x 4.5 cm, white background)
10. Financial guarantee statement (even for full scholarships, some embassies require this)
11. Medical examination report (within 6 months)
12. Police clearance certificate

Country-Specific Document Tips

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Life in Korea for ASEAN Students

Cost of Living Comparison

Finding Southeast Asian Food and Community

Southeast Asian food is widely available in Korea, especially in areas with large ASEAN communities:

• Seoul: Dongdaemun (Vietnamese), Daerim/Garibong (various Southeast Asian), Itaewon (Thai, Filipino)
• Busan: Beomil-dong (Vietnamese), Choryang (Southeast Asian)
• Daegu: Buk-gu area (Vietnamese, Filipino)
• Ansan: Multicultural district (extensive Southeast Asian food options)

Working While Studying

D-2 visa holders can work part-time under these conditions:

Important: Scholarship terms may restrict part-time work. GKS scholars are generally permitted to work part-time but must prioritize academics.

Learn about visa requirements for ASEAN students: Korea Visa Guide →

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Post-Graduation: Career Pathways in Korea

E-7 Visa (Special Occupation)

ASEAN graduates of Korean universities can apply for E-7 visas for professional employment:

D-10 Visa (Job Seeking)

Graduates can stay in Korea for up to 3 years to search for employment:

Korean Companies Actively Recruiting ASEAN Graduates

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Conclusion: ASEAN Students Have More Options in Korea Than Ever

The Korea-ASEAN educational partnership is at its strongest point in history, and it continues to deepen. For Southeast Asian students, Korea offers an extraordinary combination of affordable world-class education, generous scholarship funding, cultural compatibility, and direct career pathways — both in Korea and back home through Korean companies operating across Southeast Asia.

The most successful ASEAN students in Korea are those who approach the opportunity strategically: applying early to multiple scholarship programs, achieving TOPIK certification for scholarship multiplier effects, building relationships with Korean faculty before applying, and planning for their post-graduation career from the moment they arrive.

Korea invested in ASEAN before ASEAN was globally trendy. That early investment means the infrastructure — the scholarships, the support systems, the alumni networks, the career pathways — is already mature and proven. Your job is simply to access it.

Need personalized advice on studying in Korea from Southeast Asia? Chat with Dr. Admissions →